HOW TO TAKE ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES FOR BABIES

June 26, 2024

Anthropometric measurements in babies make it possible to monitor their health status to prevent and / or detect diseases early.
The most used measurements are:

Weight
Length (height)
Circumference: brachial (upper arm) and cephalic (cranial).

Assessing the weight, length, and head circumference help identify the normal and adequate values and if the infant is growing properly. The upper arm circumference helps to determine the nutritional status.

Measurement Techniques for Babies

The measures are evaluated with the reference tables offered by the WHO, always according to the age of the infant.

1.Zero the Scale

If the scale has a tare function, zero the scale

2. Preparation

For baby safety, up to 2 years it should be done on an infant scale.
The infant must be without clothes and without a diaper, should be placed carefully in the tray of the baby scale.

3. Place the Baby

Gently place the baby on the scale. Make sure the baby is centered and still.

4. Read the Weight

Record the weight shown on the scale.
For more precision take the measurement several times until they give two equal measurements.

1. Preparation

Up to 2 years of age this measurement must be performed in an infantometer.
Place the baby on the infantometer, ensuring the baby is lying flat.

2. Straighten the Baby

Align the baby's head with the fixed headboard. Ensure the baby’s legs are straight.

3. Measure

Two people are needed to perform it: One person must properly position the baby's head on the upper base and the other person must support the baby's feet helping to stretch them, placing the movable part of the equipment on the soles of the feet.

4. Read the Measurement

It is one of the most complicated measurements to take, so it must be carried out several times for more precision and safety in the measurement.
Note the length in centimeters or inches

1. Identify the Midpoint of the Upper Arm

Have the child stand or sit comfortably with their arm hanging freely at their side.
Locate the tip of the shoulder (acromion process) and the tip of the elbow (olecranon process).
Measure the distance between these two points.
Mark the midpoint of this distance with a pen or marker.

2. Wrap the MUAC Tape Around the Midpoint

Ask the child to relax their arm and let it hang naturally.
Wrap the MUAC tape around the arm at the marked midpoint. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight, and not causing any indentation on the skin.
The tape should be parallel to the ground and evenly wrapped around the arm.

3. Read the Measurement

Ensure the tape is properly positioned and the arm is relaxed.
Read the measurement where the tape overlaps the zero mark. Note the measurement in centimeters.

1. Prepare the Baby

The infant must not have ornaments or caps on the head.
Ensure the baby is calm and can be gently positioned.
You may want to do this while the baby is lying down or sitting in someone’s lap.

2. Position the Measuring Tape

Place the measuring tape just above the baby’s eyebrows (supraorbital ridge).
Wrap the tape around the head, ensuring it passes over the most prominent part of the back of the head (occipital prominence) and just above the ears.

3 Align the Tape Properly